more accurate statement would be the Dakar management chose to reward KTM for dominating that race for the better part of a decade by changing the rules (on extremely short notice) to put an end to their domination. I don't blame them a bit for pulling out. The big 4 had years to make something comparable to the 640/690 Enduro or 950/990 Adventure, but like they always do whether it be 600cc sport bikes, inline 4 liter bikes, or 450cc MX bikes, they chose just to clone each other and just apply different colors of paint. With the possible exception of Yamaha (its shame they don't sale the XT660 Tenere in the US) the big 4 could use a real injection of creativity. It would be nice to look outside of Europe for a unique ride. Suzuki is throwing its hat back into the enduro ring with the release of its 2010 RMX450Z. The off-road motorcycle shares much of the same DNA as Suzuki’s RM-Z450, including its 4-stroke, liquid-cooled 449cc engine. The DOHC lump does have a few tweaks, like a modified inlet tract and revised cam profiles aimed at increasing low and mid-rpm power, while the 5-speed constant mesh transmission has wider gear ratios. It’s also got a new engine protector plate to defend against obstacles enduro riders might encounter. The RMX450Z’s frame, suspension, and bodywork meanwhile are also almost identical to the RM-Z450.
Overall Length: 86.0 in.
Overall Width: 32.7 in.
Overall Height: 50.0 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 12.6 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Curb Weight: 272.3 lbs.
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC
Bore/Stroke: 96.0 X 62.1mm
Displacement: 449 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Starter: Electric and Manual
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio: 2.708 (65/24)
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.153 (28/13)
2nd 1.611 (29/18)
3rd 1.250 (25/20)
4th 1.000 (19/19)
5th 0.826 (19/23)
Final Reduction Ratio: 3.923 (51/13)
Front Suspension: SHOWA 47mm telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOWA piggyback-reservoir shock
Caster: 29°18’
Trail: 5.1 in.
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake; Disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Fuel Tank: 1.6 US gal.
Body Color: Sold Black/Champion Yellow No. 2
Overall Length: 86.0 in.
Overall Width: 32.7 in.
Overall Height: 50.0 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 12.6 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Curb Weight: 272.3 lbs.
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC
Bore/Stroke: 96.0 X 62.1mm
Displacement: 449 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Suzuki Advanced Sump System
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Starter: Electric and Manual
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio: 2.708 (65/24)
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.153 (28/13)
2nd 1.611 (29/18)
3rd 1.250 (25/20)
4th 1.000 (19/19)
5th 0.826 (19/23)
Final Reduction Ratio: 3.923 (51/13)
Front Suspension: SHOWA 47mm telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOWA piggyback-reservoir shock
Caster: 29°18’
Trail: 5.1 in.
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake; Disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Fuel Tank: 1.6 US gal.
Body Color: Sold Black/Champion Yellow No. 2
